Mission Statement

Community College of Philadelphia is an open admission, associate’s degree-granting institution that provides access to higher education for all who may benefit. Programs of study in the liberal arts and sciences, career technologies and basic academic skills provide a coherent foundation for college transfer, employment and lifelong learning. The College serves Philadelphia by preparing students to be informed and concerned citizens, to be active participants in the cultural life of the city, and to be able to meet the changing needs of business, industry and the professions. To help address broad economic, cultural and political concerns in the city and beyond, the College draws together students from a wide range of ages and backgrounds, and seeks to provide the programs and support they need to achieve their goals.

Community College of Philadelphia seeks to create a caring environment that is intellectually and culturally dynamic and encourages all students to achieve:

greater insight into their strengths, needs and aspirations, and greater appreciation of their own cultural background and experience;

increased awareness and appreciation of a diverse world where all are interdependent;

heightened curiosity and active interest in intellectual questions and social issues;

improved ability to pursue paths of inquiry, to interpret and evaluate what is discovered, and to express reactions effectively;

self-fulfillment based on service to others, preparation for future work and study, and enjoyment of present challenges and accomplishments.

Vision

To serve Philadelphia as a premier learning institution where student success exemplifies the strength of a diverse, urban community college.

Core Values

Integrity. The College places fairness and honesty at the center of all of its policies and operations. We uphold the highest ethical standards in striving for academic and professional integrity in all that we do. We strive to be both responsible and responsive in utilizing resources to meet student and community needs.

Academic Excellence. The College sets, expects and maintains high educational standards consistent with the needs of the students, region and changing workforce. Our faculty and staff are committed to providing high quality, innovative and flexible educational opportunities and services in an accessible student-centered environment.

Diversity. The College embraces and understands the importance of providing an education and environment that promote the uniqueness of students, faculty, staff and the communities that we serve. We affirm that diversity is crucial to a democratic society, as it enriches the educational experience and celebrates differences among individuals.

Commitment to Teaching and Learning. The College functions as a learning organization, continually adapting, improving and evaluating its services to promote lifelong intellectual and personal development. We believe that learning is rooted in both curiosity and inquiry, and is engendered by dedicated, creative and enthusiastic teaching, utilizing appropriate and optimal modes of delivery. Technology supports and serves the learning process.

Communication. The College is committed to effective, open and proactive communication. We take responsibility to listen, speak and write clearly to inform others and foster collaboration by using and respecting a matrix of communication channels. Collaborative partnerships are strengthened when communication is ongoing and productive.

Respect. The College promotes respect, civility and courtesy in our day-to-day interactions with others. We seek to instill respect for and appreciation of members of the College community, our facilities, our environment, our community and the institution in which we work.

History of the College

The College was created on April 28, 1964, by legislation in Harrisburg and Philadelphia, following a decade of studies and surveys. More than 685,000 students have passed through the College’s classrooms since the College opened its doors to its first class of 1,941 students in 1965. College surveys show that most of those men and women—in both academic transfer and vocationally-oriented programs—have remained in the greater Philadelphia area to earn their living.

The College moved to its newly constructed campus on Spring Garden Street between 16th and 18th streets in 1983. The more than $70 million facility was developed around the former United States Mint Building, which was renovated for administrative offices, library and classrooms, and to which classrooms, laboratories and other facilities were added with the construction of two award-winning buildings.

In 1991, the College added two additional buildings—a state-of-the-art Athletics Center with basketball courts, Nautilus-type training machines, an aerobics room and classrooms, as well as a modern, three-story Student Life building with meeting facilities, an additional cafeteria and a Coffeehouse.

The Center for Business and Industry, located on the corner of 18th and Callowhill streets, opened in 2003. This high-tech facility offers wireless classrooms, a computer lab, smart podiums, videoconferencing capabilities, a career center and a testing center. Students can also enjoy lounge and study areas, as well as a cyber café. Many programs and courses at the Center focus on workforce development in order to enhance the region’s workforce.

The College broke ground on another new building at the Main Campus, the Pavilion Building, in summer 2009. Opened in fall 2011, the ecofriendly building houses the Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management programs, complete with state-of-the-art cooking facilities. The College’s new Welcome Center, bookstore and dining services are also located in the Pavilion Building.

Significant renovations to the Bonnell, West and Mint buildings were completed in spring 2014. Registration, financial aid and other student services have been relocated to Enrollment Central to better serve students. Renovations to science and technology labs and other updates have been made to improve student learning and provide access to the most up-to-date equipment found in several fields.

The College also has Regional Centers at 12901 Townsend Road in the Northeast, 4725 Chestnut Street in West Philadelphia and 1300 West Godfrey Avenue in Northwest Philadelphia. Each provides a service center with information, counseling, advising, testing and classroom space for Philadelphians for whom these locations are convenient.

A new building and renovations at the Northeast Regional Center, completed in 2009 and 2010, offers students lab space, a Learning Commons, a dedicated art room and music room, more student space and expanded parking. The ecofriendly new building and the modifications to the existing building will save energy costs while offering students more courses in more subjects. Renovations have also taken place at the Northwest and West Regional Centers in order to better serve student needs.

Edward A. Anderson Welcome Center

The Welcome Center staff assist students in applying to the College and provide prospective students and their families with a wide range of information about the College. In addition, students can speak to staff about academic programs, attend an information session, tour the campus and learn about next steps in the enrollment process.

To find out more about opportunities to visit the College, and for Welcome Center hours, please click here.

Online Learning

Online Learning enables students to extend their educational opportunities in a flexible instructional setting. Online courses, which follow a regular schedule of academic activities and assignments, are delivered via the Internet. Many are completely online, but some require a few meetings on campus. For a complete list of online learning courses, degree programs, meeting schedules, instructors and more, please visit the Online Learning website.

Noncredit Offerings

For students who seek educational experiences that do not carry college credits, the College offers a variety of special noncredit offerings through Corporate Solutions and the Division of Adult and Community Education (DACE). They are offered at the Main Campus, the Regional Centers and many off-campus sites during each academic cycle, and are reviewed and updated regularly in response to community needs and interests.

Semesters

The College offers classes during fall and spring semesters and during the summer as well as in other formats, including shorter terms and accelerated programs. For more information about course offerings, please visit the College’s Course Finder site.

Locations

Main Campus

Community College of Philadelphia’s Main Campus occupies 14 acres just north of center city Philadelphia. The most prominent building is the turn-of-the-century former U.S. Mint Building, which remains a historic building and landmark. Two large, modern buildings containing classrooms, laboratories, meeting facilities, a cafeteria, library, bookstore, and faculty and administrative offices were designed to complement and abut the Mint on the west and south sides. The Winnet Student Life Building houses a wide range of activity spaces for students, as well as classrooms and student support services. The 97,000-square-foot Center for Business and Industry contains conference rooms, student lounge areas, office space and classrooms in order to serve students in technology-related paths and offer programs and specialized training to area businesses. The College’s Athletics Center attracts many fitness-conscious students, faculty and staff. A 635-car parking garage provides secure and sheltered parking for students, faculty, administrators and guests. The campus is well served by SEPTA city division lines.

Hours of Operation

While classes are in session during the spring and fall, the College is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday. During the summer (mid-May to mid-August), the College is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and closed Friday through Sunday.

Regional Centers

To make its programs accessible to residents throughout the city, the College employs a network of three Regional Centers which provide classroom space for both credit and noncredit course offerings. A detailed overview of College locations can be found here.

The Northeast Regional Center located at 12901 Townsend Road, the Northwest Regional Center at 1300 West Godfrey Avenue and the West Regional Center at 4725 Chestnut Street all offer on-site placement testing, registration, academic and personal counseling and tutorial services. All three Regional Centers feature a modern library and biology labs in addition to well-equipped classrooms and computer laboratories. The Northeast and Northwest Regional Centers also house a bookstore and cafeteria. Free parking is available. All the sites are accessible by public transportation.

For more information about any of the Regional Centers or their programs, please call the Northeast Regional Center at 215-972-NERC (6372), the Northwest Regional Center at 215-751-8773 or the West Regional Center at 267-299-5850.

Open Houses and Information Tours

Learn about the College's academic and student support programs, student life, and financial aid opportunities by visiting our Main Campus or Regional Centers. Open Houses are held throughout the year, and you can RSVP online. Information tours are offered weekly.

In addition, visitors to the College are welcome. Requests for information may be made at the security desk in the lobby of each building. Visitors wishing to meet specific members of the faculty or administration are advised to make appointments in advance by calling the departmental office. Group visits may be arranged through the Office of Admissions by calling 215-751-8010.

Minors

The presence of minors on campus, other than Community College of Philadelphia students, is strongly discouraged because of important safety and liability issues. To ensure the safety of children, those under the age of 18 must not be left unattended on College property.

To prevent disruption of the learning process, children are not permitted in classrooms or laboratories when classes are in session. However, with regard to classrooms (but not laboratories), faculty members instructing a class may make exceptions in individual cases, provided that the learning process is not disrupted.

Under no circumstances are minors other than Community College of Philadelphia students allowed in the Athletics Center, instructional laboratories, laboratory prep areas or administrative service areas, such as duplicating, mail room and craft shops. This policy does not preclude children’s participation in events sanctioned by the College or the involvement of children in educational activities specific to a curriculum.

The College assumes no liability for any injury incurred by minors who are not registered Community College of Philadelphia students while they are on College property.

Controlled Substances

College policy prohibits the illegal possession, use, or sale of drugs or other controlled substances on College property. Where appropriate or necessary, the College will fully cooperate with law enforcement agencies. In addition, alcoholic beverages are not to be sold, served, used or possessed in any of the facilities of the College.

Smoke-Free Buildings Policy

Community College of Philadelphia is concerned about the health and comfort of its students, faculty members, administrators, staff and visitors. Smoking, including the use of nicotine-delivery systems,is, without exception, prohibited in every College building or facility. This includes all offices and any previously designated smoking areas inside any campus building.

Anyone who wishes to smoke must do so outside of College buildings and facilities. Smoking is prohibited within 25 feet of any entrance, exit or loading dock, or as posted otherwise. Smoking is also prohibited on adjacent stairways, ramps or landings leading to any entrance, exit or loading dock.

Selling and Soliciting

The College is a publicly funded institution. However, College buildings and facilities are provided for use exclusively by students, faculty, staff and the administration, and only for the educational purposes of the College. No individual or company may solicit or sell on campus for personal gain.

Selling or soliciting for charitable, political, social, religious or other causes by nonstudents is prohibited on College property. Distribution of literature (handbills, tracts, leaflets, etc.) by outside agents for external agencies is also prohibited on College property. Selling, distributing leaflets or soliciting by College students is regulated by College policy administered through the Office of Student Life.

Crime Act

Information regarding the Crime Act (commonly referred to as the Clery Act) is available through the Department of Safety and Security located in Room MG-12 or at the College's website under Consumer Information.

Inclusive Language

Throughout this website, every effort has been made to use inclusive language which does not discriminate with regard to gender. Any remaining references to the male gender shall be intended to include, wherever applicable, the female gender as well.